Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Thank you for encouraging me to write up a tute on
this lunch (bento box) bag! I really like this bag
pattern because this bag, measuring approximately
9"(width) x 7 1/2"(hight w/o handles) x 5 1/2" (depth),
can be used not only for bento boxes of any kind but
also for carrying little crafty projects like yarn +
needles. It has a cover inside that can give nice privacy
for whatever in there and the cover can also prevent
it from getting dusty in a windy day. It is much
sturdier and larger than the fabric basket, so if you
found that your fabric basket was too small or too
floppy as a gift bag, this might be a good alternative..?!

As usual, I have tons of images to share each
step with you, so bare with me! There you go!!

We'll need these pieces of fabric,

I think the best type of fabric to be used
for the outer bag, rim and outer handles are
duck fabric, but if you'd rather use pretty
quilting-weight cotton fabric like I do,
remember to also get 1/2 yard of sturdy fusible
interfacing like Pellon 809 Decor Bond.
I used vinyl-coated fabric for the lining
just so that when some food spills in the bag
from the bento box, I can still smile ;)
(Hart's Fabrics has lots of cute vinyl-coated
fabrics FYI ;) ) Oh and you'll need 1 1/2 yard
of craft cord too.

As usual, all the measurement includes
1/4" seam allowances unless otherwise noted.
First, let's sew the two pieces for the outer bags
together by sewing the bottom edges. I used two
different fabrics for the outer bag just to make it
interesting. Well, in other words, I simply didn't
have enough of the Anna Griffin kitchen fabric
left over to get two pieces. Improvising works!

Then press seam open.

Since I am using cotton fabric for the
outer bag, I need to make it sturdier,
so I am using this interfacing measuring
17 1/2" x 12 1/2" here.

I am fusing it onto the wrong side
of the outer bag piece.

Then I fold it in half with right sides
together and sew these two short edges.>

Boxing corners. We want to draw a line
where it's 5" from one side to the other.

Then cut off the corner. Just like you did
for the fabric basket, do this for the other
corner too.

And repeat the same process for the
lining. For the lining we don't need
interfacing though.

Remember how you had to leave an opening
when you sewed the lining for the fabric
basket? This time we can omit the step!
Isn't that nice?

the fact you need interfacing here,
if you are using cotton fabric for the
outer handles. Each piece of interfacing
measures 12" x 1 3/4".

Now we need to fuse each interfacing
onto the middle of the wrong side of the
handle.

Fold and press the long edges toward the middle,
fold in half, and top-stitch the long edges.
Repeat this for the other handle too,

so you'll have two handles.

Let's now make the rim that you'll
attach the handles onto. Since I am
using cotton fabric, once again I need
interfacing - this time each piece
measures 12" x 2 1/4".

We'll fuse the interfacing onto two
pieces of the rim like this.

Take one of them and mark at where
it's 4" from one side on the top
edge. Do this from the other side too.

Making sure that you place one side of
a handle at the mark (the mark will be
in the middle underneath the handle),
sew very close to the edge. Repeat
the same process for the other side
of handle.

Then we'll sew the top edges of these
pieces together with right sides together.

Repeating the same process for the
rest of the rim pieces will

create the other side of the rim!

Press seam open.

And now we'll sew these two
together like that.

And then sew the other short edges
together to create this loopy thing.

Top stitch the top edge.

And sewing very close to the bottom
edge will save you some time later on.

Aha! Now we have the rim + handles complete!
Lastly, let's make the cover.
Sew the short edges of the two pieces
with right sides together. Remember to
leave 2" unsewn at the top like this.

Added Note: This raw edges at the side edges of this
cover piece will be left unfinished in the lunch bag.
If you'd like no exposed raw edges at all, you could make
each cover piece 0.5" wider so that you'll be able to
double-fold the seams. (In this case, your seam allowance
will be 1/2" wide, and you'll press the iron to create
a double fold at each side edge seam.)

Press seams open as if the top
part were also sewn.

Now we'll sew onto the seams all the way
from the top to the bottom.

Then we will fold and press where it's 1/4"
from the top edge.

Fold and press it again - this time it's
3/4" from the top edge.

Now sew very close to the folded line
so that you have a casing for the cord.

Coming back to the main bag,
let's place the lining inside the
outer bag with wrong sides together.

Sew very close to the top edge.
It looks pretty nice; in fact, we could
just turn it into a big fabric basket by
sewing a bing tape at the top edge, huh?

But let me continue with the lunch bag
because that's what I started off with.
Now sew the rim to the main bag like this,
sewing very close to the edge again.

Now we'll sew the cover onto the main bag.
You can't see this in this image, but there
is a bag inside the cover. We are sewing
the top edges of the cover and the bag
together. This time though, we sew where
it's 1/4" from the edge.

Everything is connected at the top edge now.

It will look like this if you bring
the cover inside the bag. Fun!

Top-stitch here between the rim and the bag.

Added Note: If you do your top stitching more than 1/4" below the seam,
the raw edges will be completely encased under this top stitching.
Therefore, you'll have no exposed raw edges below the cover inside.

We're almost there; we just need to
Thread one cord through casing and knot ends
together. Thread second cord from a different
casing opening and do the same, just like
you did for the patchwork drawstring bag!

Yay, that's it!

Your lunch bag is complete!!

I can't wait to see your lunch bag
that you make from this tutorial,
so please post your completed lunch
bag picture in this flickr pool :D

As usual, feel free to use this image
of finished lunch bag in your blog
and link to my blog (thanks!) but
please do not make sales off of any
projects made based on any of my
tutorials.. thank you ;)

Thank you for another great tutorial! I love this bag and really like the idea of using it for knitting tote. I hope I have some time to make one soon! RIght now I'm sewing a skirt, but maybe once I clean up after that project I can start on a bag! :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this up. I'm adding it to my list of projects! :)

On another note: how do you like that Oliso iron?! I have been on a quest lately for a great iron and checked into the one you have a bit but can't seem to decide whether it's worth the extra money. Do you love it? Please email me if you wouldn't mind! I would love to hear your feedback on it. Pretty please!!

Oh thank you so much for your nice comments everyone! The best part of making a tutorial for me is to discover someone actually enjoys making something using my tutorials! I really hope to see your lunch bags in this flickr group!

Jennifer-I am very slow at sewing in general, but it takes me less than an hour to sew up one lunch bag. I hope you get to make three before school starts ;)

Oh wow, Ayumi! Thanks for this great tutorial. I have just the fabric I want to use for my 'lunch bag' which will probably end up being my crochet bag (crochet wool and work currently housed in a plastic bag!).

Wonderful tutorial - it's the perfect size for a knitting bag. And I think that I forsee myself making some of these for teacher gifts this year. I made one for a swap, using my swapee's favourite colour (green) and her favourite fairy tale themed fabric (Cinderella). Thank you!

I love your tutorials! They are so detailed for those of us who don't have all the skills, but like to try our hands at sewing. I wondered if you ever used insulbrite? I have used it for potholders and also water bottle holders. This would work well to keep things cold. Something to ponder... Can't wait to find time to try this project!

Thank you so much, Ayumi! I have now made my first lunch bag for my daughter - we couldn't resist the temptation either of us.. The tutorial was easy to understand - and so detailed! You really ought to teach sewing classes :)Hugs from Norway.

Thank you everyone! I can't wait to see your lunch bags popping up in the flickr group! There are already a few of them from you guys! I'm so happy to see them :D

Jenn Mc-I think using insulbright for this project is a great idea! I didn't use one just because the oil cloth had flannel attached on the back side. I thought it may have some insulation effect. If you are using quilting weight cotton or oil cloth for the lining without any backing, I would recommend using insulbright :D

Thanks for the great tutorial...this is exactly what I have been looking for. One quick question though...when boxing the corners...do you sew on the line that you draw and then cut off the excess? Or is the line to be lined up with the presser foot? Sorry if this sounds dumb!

This lunch bag is adorable and I hope to make a bunch as Christmas gifts. One question though...have you ever tried using PUL inside the bag instead of a laminated vinyl? Do you think PUL would work, maybe if I add interfacing to the back to make it sturdier? I have a bunch of it from making cloth diapers and am trying to bust my stash for Christmas gifts! Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

JennyGoLightly-I think PUL would be just great for the lining without interfacing to it as long as your outer bags are sturdy enough. The oil cloth I used for the lining was pretty thin too but it worked perfectly. I wish I had a baby to make diapers for too :D

Thanks for this tutorial - it's a lovely little bag, and I have just made one - I used cotton batting in place of the interfacing, and quilted it. I also had to find out what a bento box is as here in Scotland we use sandwich boxes and refer to them as "piece boxes"!Thanks again.

Thank you everyone! I have been having so much fun hearing from you guys that you sewed up a lunch bag or two! That makes my day :D

Stephanie,Thank you! There are a lot of fabrics with writings on them in the American market. If you search 'word fabric' in etsy.com, you'll find lots of them ;) I usually get mine from a Japanese online shop like the shops listed in the right side but a lot of Japanese fabrics with writing can be seen in Etsy now ;) Hope this helps!

Thanks for another great tutorial! This is a great bag! I love how the cover has a drawstring instead of a zipper like the tote bag I make with the zippered extension. Makes it much easier to make, but still easy to use. I'm going to use your tutorial to make my bag for the Halloween Tote Bag Swap that I joined. Already picked out my fabrics! Thanks so much!

Hi thank you so much for this tutorial, easy to follow and understand (even for a French blonde like me ! lol) you can see pictures on my blog : http://isaehome.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/lunchbento-bag-premier/thanks for everything you are the best for tutorials !take careIsa in the center of France having loads of fun making bags ;)

Many thanks for posting this wonderful tutorial! I totally love the result and your instructions were very clear. Once again, thanks for sharing, I love your blog.. I have posted photos of my lovely little creation on my blog! http://withallgoodintentions.blogspot.com/2010/10/fabric-bento-carry-bag.html

I made this today and I am so happy with it! My almost 18 year old will be getting it for Christmas. Thanks for the tutorial!! I posted a couple of pictures in the flickr group.(It's cuter in real life.)

I want to say: Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial. I made a lunchbag for my husband- you can see it on my blog. It was a great christmas present for him. http://gewaendertruhe-louise.blogspot.com/2010/12/pausenbrottasche-oder-auch-lunchbag.html

Currently, I have hanging over my sewing area a vintage handkerchief from my great grandma that is the EXACT fabric you used for the outside that is the food with calories on it. I have it hanging, hoping for inspiration. I want to do something cool with it. Is yours vintage or did you find it new? Can't believe it!Bmoore_mamabee(at)hotmail(dot)com

Im a newbie learnign how to prepare Bento lunches, justo ordered a bento box but couldnt find a lunch bag pretty enough with the right size, thank you so much for your help, I cant wait to choose pretty fabrics and make it by myself! Warm greetings from Mexico :)

ja21ke@yahoo.comI love this bag. This is the first thing I have ever sewn besides quilting. It's a great little gift tote for holidays and special occasions. Your tutorial was AMAZINGLY clear and concise. Thank you so much.

HELLO I JUST STARTED SEWING AND WOULD LIKE TO ATTEMPT THIS BAG FOR A FRIEND. THE INTERFACING THAT YOU ARE USING FOR THE HANDLES IS IT THE SAME FOR THE BODY THE DECOR PELLON? OR IS IT 2 DIFFERENT INTERFACINGS? THANKS

Hi Ayumi!I just made up one of your lunch bags for my daughter to carry her ballet shoes in. Such a great tutorial! It's so clear and easy to follow and makes the cutest bag. I had a lot of fun sewing this one. Thank you so much! :)

Greetings from Portland, Oregon! I just got sent here today by Daisy Cottage Quilting, and I immediately subscribed. I love your tutorial style!! I'm looking forward to reading your blog from one end to the other, and seeing what you have in store for the future. Thank you!!

Ayumi, thank you so much for this tutorial. I made it last weekend and found the instructions and pictures were the best I have used in a long time! I will definately be making more as gifts for my friends and family.

Thank you for the tutorial for this adorable lunch tote. I just made two for grand daughters. I added a pocket and insulated lining. They get them tomorrow and I hope they like them as much I do. I added my pics to Flickr.

This is a WONDERFUL tutorial! I don't make bags normally because I struggle with directions, but yours are fabulous! Instructions are very, very clear and the pictures make all the difference. I hope to upload a pic soon and will definitely sing your praises on my blog. Thank you!

Wow! I just found a bag on Pinterest on a ladies blog, she had used your tutorial and linked back to you. Thanks so much for the instructions!! I am definitely going to make this bag soon. I need something for my knitting needles.

Hi Ayumi! I finished my son's lunch bag! If your ears are burning, this is why: http://www.freepatchworkquiltinfo.com/2012/07/2012-july-lunch-bag-link-to-awesome.html I was talking about you, hehehe :p BIG hugs, let me know what you think when you get a chance :-) Tiffiny

Love this pattern -- thanks so much for the great tutorial. I finished the bag, as a knitting bag -- my blog post about it is here: http://oldsweetsong.blogspot.com/2012/07/im-bag-lady.htmlThanks again!

Thanks for sharing such a great tutorial! I saw your bag on pinterest and followed it back here. Like too many things on Pinterest, it took multiple steps to find the original, but it's worth it! I love making bags to give as gifts, because who couldn't use a new bag?! :) They're great for all ages. I really like that I can make this with a variety of fat quarters.

Ayumi, I made another one of these awesome bags and another post about your free tutorial on my blog. Check it out when you get a chance :-) hugs, Tiffiny http://www.freepatchworkquiltinfo.com/2012/08/2012-august-another-lunch-bag-and-link.html#

Your tutorials are SO easy to follow. I love this pattern. I made one to carry baby food to school for my kids. I created a link back to this post from http://notyournormalsteam.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/never-say-never-bags/

I did do one adaptation to your pattern maybe worth mentioning... To avoid having the seams showing inside on the "hood" I cut four cover pieces instead of two. Sewed them first across the top seams and then while still laying flat doing the the sides (leaving a two inch opening at the top seam on each side). Then proceeded somewhat the same as you, pressing open the seams and stitching in place. Folding over the two layers back to back. A stitch very close to the top to hold in place and another under (the now one inch opening) all the way around (this becomes the place holder for the drawstring). Now when I attached the flap there were no seams showing from around the ring of the flap or down the inside sides. =) Plus I used your idea of top stitching the final ring 1/4 inch in so you could see those loose edges! I hope i explained myself properly. But that is why you have the amazing blog and not I! =) Looks good! Thank you thank you!

Thank you, Ayumi, for such a great tutorial!!! I made 4 of these bags to give as gifts, the most recent, out of my daughter's school uniform pattern for a school fundraiser auction item!! It turned out so cute!! I will definitely send you pictures of my bags. They are so much fun to make!!

I am so glad to hear you were able to make bags for the fundraising purpose! If you have a flickr account, I would love it if you posted your bag picture here ;)http://www.flickr.com/groups/pinkpenguin/

Hi, I just love this bag. I have a shop on etsy and would love to add a few of these bags. I understand the 20 per month, and that's perfect. We make "one of a kind" creations and this can be in so many patterns. I have paid for the license and was wondering if it comes in the mail or emailed. I did purchase it on Sept 22, so I'm sure you haven't processed it yet. Wanted to make sure it didn't get lost in junk email if delivered that way. I do mostly floral creations but have added bags to the mix. They are such fun to make. Check out our shop www.theskrappery.etsy.com. Happy Creating.

I've already replied to your email, but thought I'd answer your question in case other people have the same question ;)As long as you purchase the license, you are good to go and start selling your lunch bags! I am sorry for the confusion. I'll figure out if there is a way to send a message right away from Paypal now..!

Hi Ayumills, how have you been. hope everything is ok. how much is the licenses? my email adressa is: fabiola@cargonave.com.br from Brazil . i did one and will send to you a photo as soon as possible.tksfabby

Hi AyumiI am a complete novice when it comes to sewing but would really like to have a go at this cute little bag. I understand most of the tutorial but can I just ask - at the step where it says 'place the lining inside the outer bag wrong sides together. Sew very close to top edge' how do you get the neat finish? do you hem the edges before you sew them together? This probably sounds like a dumb question when you are such an expert sewer lol!!ThanksSharon x

No, it is not a dumb question at all! I am glad you asked because you probably aren't the only person who wondered about it! I used a lot of pins to hold the two bags together along the top edge when I sewed. If you are using any interfacing or lining that is too thick to use pins, I recommend you use glue to attach them first and then sew. Either way, the stitching will be hidden in the finished project, so I wouldn't worry too much about it if my stitching didn't come out nicely. Hope this helps ;)

Fab tutorial, just knocked on up in 3 hours flat when I discovered my daughters old lunchbag had gone mouldy over the summer... School trip tomorrow hence emergency requirement for a lunchbag! I used mini bulldog clips to hold multiple layers of fabric in place, rather than pins - and it's better for oilcloth as pin holes don't show :-)

Thanks for stopping by my blog! My name is Ayumi. I love sharing my crafty journal and other little anecdotes in my life here. I am a mother to a baby girl and a wife to my husband from Seattle. We live in a small apartment in Tokyo. I hope you enjoy being here :) Welcome♪